Alluring or Terrifying: It's your choice.

Have you ever been to an event or on a crowded street corner and heard someone screaming at the crowd with a sign saying something like "Turn or Burn" or "Repent for you are a wicked people." Strictly speaking I suppose these are true statements however the method is a terrible and ineffective way to influence those around us.

In chapter 12 verse 19 of his Gospel, Matthew quotes Isaiah saying, "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets." Obviously Jesus spoke, after all we have the sermon on the mount, parables and numerous answers to questions He was asked. So why would Isaiah say something like this and why would Matthew quote it?

Remember now that, Matthew is writing after Jesus' death and resurrection. I can't help but wonder if he was a bit angry with this part of Jesus when they were traveling together. After all, the disciples were expecting a king for this world not eternity (a story for another day).

Anyway, both of these Godly writers are giving us a picture of how Jesus let people know about Him, His Father and Their Kingdom. Jesus lived a life and spoke loving words to draw people to Himself and His Father. So how does that compare to us? Do we stand in crowded locations and scream from the top of our lungs, threatening people with certain hell if they don't listen? Or do we live quiet, God fearing and Jesus following lives that draw people to us so that we can give them Him.

Read this excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary:
His voice was not heard in the streets; "Lo, here is Christ;’’ or, "Lo, he is there:’’ he spake in a still small voice, which was alluring to all, but terrifying to none; he did not affect to make a noise, but came down silently like the dew. What he spake and did was with the greatest possible humility and self-denial.

I pray that I will speak in humility and draw people to Him.